The Melanesian Sisters in the Solomon Islands and their friends in Chester held their first ever online service and meeting earlier this month. Four Sisters and their Administrator, joined friends and supporters from across the UK, including the Diocese of Chester, for morning prayer and then to share news from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Katie Drew from the Melanesian Mission, said: “It was such a joy to see and hear from the Sisters, over 10,000 miles away. In these times of isolation and restrictions, it was wonderful to be able to worship and pray together, to share our concerns and challenges and to give thanks for our Christian faith bringing us together.
“UK supporters and Associates to the Sisters have been busy fundraising for the last six months for the Sisters’ new Chapel, so it was good to hear that the build will begin properly in March after their winter rains. The Sisters have raised £50,000 themselves and UK supporters have sent £20,000 to date, including donations from individuals, Chester parishes, Chester Cathedral and the Diocese of Chester. The Sisters will probably need another £20,000 to complete the build,” said Katie.
The Community of the Sisters of Melanesia (known informally as the Melanesian Sisters) is one of four Anglican Religious Orders working in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in the South Pacific. Associates to the Sisters commit to praying daily for the Community and offering support where they can. There are currently 30 Associates in the UK. To find out more about the Sisters, or about becoming an Associate, contact MMUK mission@mmuk.net (01404) 851656.
The Diocese of Chester has a formal link with the Province of Melanesia, which covers nine dioceses in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The link facilitates shared learning opportunities, school links, training, exchange programs and support for the religious orders and the Mothers’ Union.